How to Secure a Contract Job as an Engineer in the UK (Inside IR35)

Contractor

In the fast-paced world of engineering contracting, landing a position in the UK inside IR35 can be a valuable opportunity for professionals seeking flexibility and diverse project experiences. If you're ready to take the next step in your engineering career, this guide will walk you through the essential steps to secure a contract role inside IR35, from connecting with the right recruiters to optimizing your online presence and CV for maximum impact.

1. Connect with Specialised Recruiters

Finding the right recruiters who have established connections with clients in your specific engineering industry is crucial to accessing the best contract opportunities. These recruiters often have exclusive roles and can match your skills and experience with suitable projects. Reach out to reputable recruitment agencies that specialize in engineering placements, and express your interest in contract roles within IR35. Building a strong relationship with recruiters can open doors to a myriad of contract opportunities tailored to your expertise. Examples of good contract recruitment companies are Outsource ltd, Morson ltd, MatchTech ltd with a variety of roles throughout engineering between them. Find recruiters at these companies and they would be more than delighted to inform you of the opportunities they have for the right candidate.

2. Enhance Your LinkedIn Profile

In today's digital age, having a strong LinkedIn presence is essential for professionals looking to advance their careers. Optimize your LinkedIn profile by showcasing your engineering skills, experience, and achievements. Join industry-specific groups, share insightful articles, and engage with other professionals in the field to expand your network. Recruiters often use LinkedIn to source potential candidates, so ensuring your profile is up-to-date and reflects your expertise can significantly increase your visibility to top employers. Recruiters are paid to get people into jobs! Make their job easier by utilising all of Linkedin's profile optimisation features that interface directly with recruiters using paid LinkedIn features to find potential candidates.

3. Revamp Your CV with Key Keywords

Tailoring your CV to align with sought-after skills and experiences is key to standing out among other candidates. Incorporate relevant keywords specific to your engineering niche throughout your CV to enhance its searchability and increase your chances of being noticed by recruiters. Highlighting your technical proficiencies, project successes, and industry certifications can help recruiters quickly identify you as a suitable candidate for contract roles inside IR35.

As a professional engineer, consider emphasising the following keywords in your CV: project management, design engineering, CAD software proficiency, industry regulations compliance, and problem-solving skills.

4. Apply and Interview with Confidence

Once you have connected with recruiters, fine-tuned your LinkedIn profile, and optimized your CV, it's time to apply for contract engineering roles inside IR35. Treat the application process like any other job opportunity—submit a tailored cover letter and CV, demonstrating your fit for the role. If selected for an interview, prepare diligently by researching the company, practicing common engineering interview questions, and showcasing your relevant experience confidently. Remember to articulate how your skills and expertise align with the specific requirements of the role.

5. Accepting an offer

Once you have received offers for a contract, be sure to immediately get to work choosing an umbrella company that will interface with your contract recruiter to get you paid. Paying a contract goes like this:

• Client pays your contract recruiter your revenue

• The contract recruiter takes their cut out and sends the Umbrella company the rest.

• The Umbrella company does your taxes including taking out PAYE tax, NI tax, their small fee, and even Employers tax.

• The remaining money is your income.

As a contractor you can be paid weekly or monthly, it is your choice. Umbrella companies have to be registered as an employer with HMRC. In HMRC's eyes the umbrella company is your employer, not the client. A great umbrella company to check out is Paystream.

Conclusion

Securing a contract engineering role in the UK inside IR35 requires a strategic approach that combines networking, online presence enhancement, and strong application materials. By connecting with specialized recruiters, enhancing your LinkedIn profile, optimizing your CV with relevant keywords, and approaching the application process professionally, you can position yourself as a top candidate for exciting contract opportunities in the engineering industry.

Take the first step towards your next engineering contract role inside IR35 today, and unlock a world of professional growth and diverse project experiences.

Remember, the journey to securing your dream contract role begins with proactive steps and a strategic mindset. Embrace the process, showcase your engineering expertise, and seize the opportunities that come your way. Your next contract engineering role in the UK inside IR35 could be just around the corner.

** Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by the author of this post, on this blog and community are solely his own and do not reflect the views of any past, present, or future employers or any other organisations with which he is associated. The content here is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional advice. **